SARASOTA DINING

I Played Hooky on Friday - At a Wine Shop in Lakewood Ranch, FL

I am sure we can all justify taking a day off here and there. My birthday was on Friday the 13th and it was probably one of the worst I have experienced in a long time. My dog almost died on my birthday and well, needless to say, there was no birthday celebration. Only prayers to the dog gods above to spare my little buddy in hopes that he made it through emergency surgery that Friday the 13th afternoon.

My prayers were answered and my little dog Brian is on the mend (yes, Brian the talking dog from the Family Guy). So, this dog Mommy decided to take this past Friday off to just catch her breath and reclaim her energy.

One thing about a spontaneous day off is you never know what is coming around the corner if you let the day just take you along the journey. My day off started with a neighborhood lady’s luncheon which did involve a glass of wine, good food and company. But quiet and, you know, just OK. However, when my friend Sharon suggested that we drive to Fine Wine & Tastings on Main to pay for the following Wednesday wine walk, well things just got a little interesting.

I love wine. I am not a wine know it all, in fact, I know very little about wine. I learn as I go. Going to Fine Wine & Tastings on Main in Lakewood Ranch is a fun way to spend the afternoon. They are not only a wine shop but a wine bar too. Today was special because the owner and his father were in the store. This is a family-owned store and supporting a locally owned business is always at the top of my list. They will make you feel welcome and help you select a wine or answer any question that you may have.

The four of us talked about different wines and the fact that the owners have tasted every bottle of wine they carry. That says a lot about passion and putting your money where your mouth is, so to speak. You can ask them questions without feeling intimidated. Wine should be an experience of taste and you can find some great wines for under $20. Just ask them.

Fine Wine & Tastings on Main carries a wide selection of wines priced from $9.00 and up. They offer wine tasting every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. This is a popular event so reservations are recommended.

If you want to learn more about wine, they offer a wine academy once a month. This is a casual setting that allows you to taste 5 different wines from a particular region, topic or style. They also have Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday from 5 PM-7 PM.

Fine Wine and Tastings on Main is located in downtown Lakewood Ranch at 8111 Lakewood Main Street, Lakewood Ranch. 941-355-4718. You can sign up for their events by visiting their Facebook Page.